SEAT has revealed a new all-wheel-drive version of its Alhambra people carrier at the 81st Geneva Motor Show.

Designed to improve mobility and safety in winter conditions, the permanent all-wheel-drive system on the Alhambra distributes torque to the wheels requiring it most. In extreme cases the rear wheels can receive one hundred percent of power if needed.

The system is operated by a multi-plate clutch mounted in front of the rear axle differential which houses an oil bath. When traction is lost, an electric piston pump builds oil pressure needed for the clutch to divert power to the rear wheels in a matter of milliseconds.

The 4WD Alhambra will only be available with the standard models 2.0 litre TDI engine and six-speed manual transmission. This engine outputs 103 kW, which achieves a top speed of 191 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 11.4 seconds. Fuel economy is 6.0 l/100 km with CO2 emissions at 158 g/km.

SEAT’s president James Muir described the Alhambra 4WD as“a spacious, flexible family carrier ideal for tackling long drives to an alpine winter holiday, for example. Effortless but efficient performance comes from its 2.0 TDI engine.”

The five-seater version of the Alhambra 4WD will be in available in May, with a 6-seater, 2+2+2 layout to be offered later in the year.